Archival Processor

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

We are hiring 3 Archival Processors. Two (2) hires will be 3-year TERM appointments. One (1) hire will be offered a regular (non-term) employee position. About the Cornell University Library With welcoming spaces, expansive collections, and innovative services across our libraries on campus, Cornell University Library is a unified community empowering academic achievement and intellectual exploration at Cornell and beyond. The Opportunity Under the general direction of the Director for Archival Technical Services, the Collections Assistant facilitates access to new and backlog archival and manuscript collections in the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections (RMC). This position focuses on the arrangement and description of archival collections in all types and formats, preparing detailed finding aids in ArchivesSpace using Describing Archives: a Content Standard (DACS). This position also participates in unit’s and RMC’s initiatives to support teaching, patron requests, preparation for digitization and exhibitions; and may facilitate patron use of the collections by carrying out other tasks as assigned, based on departmental needs. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Requirements

Archival Processing Experience and Interest
Experience with archival processing, or direct exposure to archival work that confirms you understand and enjoy working with analog, digital, or hybrid collections.
Familiarity with archival principles such as arrangement, description, and ability to assess compliance with professional descriptive standards, FERPA, NAGPRA, copyright, privacy and confidentiality or conservation concerns, including working within established standards and processes to ensure collections are organized and documented consistently and are understandable to others.
Attention to Detail and Structured Work
Strong accuracy and consistency when working with detailed records, metadata, and collection materials.
Ability to follow established standards and documentation practices to ensure work is clear, trackable, and usable by others.
Independent Work with Good Judgment
Ability to manage assigned work independently while knowing when to ask questions rather than making assumptions.
Sound judgment in handling materials and adhering to established processes and team practices.
Adaptability and Team Contribution
Flexibility in navigating changing tools, workflows, and priorities.
Collaborative mindset with a willingness to contribute to a supportive, low-drama team environment.
A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
Bachelor’s degree and up to 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
General understanding of the principles of arrangement and description of archival collections and digital preservation best practices.
Demonstrated moderate computer skills (standard office software packages, database searching, command line file manipulation or similar).
Ability to perform detailed work with high degree of accuracy and high productivity in a setting of frequent interruptions.
Ability to work independently with general supervision.
Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
Ability to work with dusty materials on a regular basis.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with archival or library cataloging rules, standards, and best practices, including those for rare materials.
Working knowledge of one or more foreign languages.

Responsibilities

Collection Processing and ArchivesSpace Data Management (80%)
Collection Intake, Pre‑Processing, and Compliance Assessment (15%)
Other position responsibilities (5%)

Benefits

comprehensive health care options
generous retirement contributions
access to wellness programs
employee discounts with local and national retail brands
health and personal leave
three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
two additional floating holidays
tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program